this is a re-post of a blog by Michael Bleecker the Worship Pastor at The Village Church where Matt Chandler is Pastor. Great thoughts for leaders, and one I definitely needed to hear.
Are you approachable?
I’ve been thinking a lot about how well I receive advice, ideas or correction. When approached by a member of our church or cornered by an enthusiastic musician who has ideas about how I could do things differently (“better” may be a more appropriate word here), or even caught up in the inevitable “difficult talk” my wife and I inevitably have (the double “inevitable” is for you single guys), how do I receive such advise, ideas or correction?
How do you receive advice, correction or ideas that may alter your idea?
Do you thoughtlessly reject others or do you respond with humility?
Scripture gives wisdom here:
Proverbs 13:10
By insolence comes nothing but strife,
But with those who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.
Andrew Murray writes:
“All want of love, all indifference to the needs, the feelings, the weakness of others; all sharp and hasty judgments and utterances, so often excused under the plea of being outright and honest; all manifestations of temper and touchiness and irritation; all feelings of bitterness and estrangement, have their root in nothing but pride, that ever seeks itself.”
Pride will bring destruction by isolating us from others who love us. We will become an island that can’t be challenged by others. Memorize the Scripture passages below and use them in times where pride creeps in. Be teachable. Be humble. Be approachable.
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
1 Peter 5:5-6
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…
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